Program Overview
Courses Programme Specification Graduate Diploma Graduate Diploma in Finance/ Graduate Diploma in Finance with Pre-Sessional English Academic Year 2022/23 A programme specification is required for any programme on which a student may be registered. All programmes of the University are subject to the University's Quality Assurance processes. All degrees are awarded by Queen's University Belfast. Programme Title Graduate Diploma Graduate Diploma in Finance/ Graduate Diploma in Finance with Pre-Sessional English Final Award (exit route if applicable for Postgraduate Taught Programmes) Graduate Diploma Programme Code NTO-GD-FIN UCAS Code HECoS Code 100107 - Finance - 100 ATAS Clearance Required No Mode of Study Full Time Type of Programme Postgraduate Length of Programme Full Time - 1 Academic Year Total Credits for Programme 120 Exit Awards available No Institute Information Teaching Institution INTO Queen's School/Department INTO Quality Code https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code Higher Education Credit Framework for England https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/higher-education-credit-framework-for-england Level 6 Subject Benchmark Statements https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/subject-benchmark-statements The Frameworks for Higher Education Qualifications of UK Degree-Awarding Bodies https://www.qaa.ac.uk/docs/qaa/quality-code/the-frameworks-for-higher-education-qualifications-of-uk-degree-awarding-bodies-2024.pdf Accreditations (PSRB) The British Council Date of most recent Accreditation Visit 11-05-18 Regulation Information Does the Programme have any approved exemptions from the University General Regulations (Please see General Regulations) None. Programme Specific Regulations ENTRY REQUIREMENTS English Language Requirement: For the Graduate Diploma in Finance, candidates will normally be required to have an English Language test score, taken within the last two years, of IELTS 5.5 or equivalent, with a minimum of 5.5 in all subskills.
Key Program Features
- Immersive On-Campus Experience: In-person seminars, laboratory sessions, and professional networking at Queen's University Belfast.
- Expert Faculty: Taught by research-active academics and practitioners with deep expertise in Finance & Economics.
- Diverse International Cohort: Study alongside students from around the world, broadening your global professional network.
- Research-Informed Curriculum: Content grounded in the latest academic research and real-world industry practice.
- Dissertation / Capstone Project: Culminating independent project applying your expertise to an original research question or industry challenge.
- Dedicated Career Support: Access to career coaching, employer networking events, and job placement assistance.
- 9 months Duration: Part-time and accelerated options may be available — enquire with the admissions office.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Graduate Diploma in Finance programme at Queen's University Belfast develop the advanced knowledge, analytical skills, and professional networks that leading employers in finance & economics value. Common career destinations include:
- Financial Analyst: Evaluate investment opportunities and financial performance.
- Investment Banker: Advise on capital raising, M&A, and corporate finance.
- Risk Manager: Identify and mitigate financial and operational risks.
- Economist: Research economic trends and advise governments or corporations.
- CFO / Finance Director: Lead corporate financial strategy and reporting.
Graduates have secured roles at multinational corporations, government agencies, research institutions, NGOs, and high-growth startups. Many also progress to doctoral (PhD) programmes.
Program Curriculum
Stages and Modules
| Module Title | Module Code | Level/ stage | Credits | Availability | Duration | Pre-requisite | Assessment | |||||
| S1 | S2 | Core | Option | Coursework % | Practical % | Examination % | ||||||
| Financial Market Theory and Investment Analysis | NTO3009 | 1 | 20 | YES | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | -- | 40% | 0% | 60% |
| Financial Econometrics | NTO3008 | 1 | 20 | YES | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | -- | 40% | 0% | 60% |
| Accounting for Financial Management | NTO3007 | 1 | 20 | YES | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | -- | 35% | 0% | 65% |
| Financial and Economic Strategy | NTO3006 | 1 | 20 | YES | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | -- | 35% | 0% | 65% |
| English Language and Study Skills | NTO3001 | 1 | 40 | YES | YES | 24 weeks | N | YES | -- | 40% | 0% | 60% |
Notes
Please note that the British Council accredits the ELSS module for this programme.
Admission Requirements
Academic Requirements
Pass in an undergraduate degree in any subject from a recognised institution or Higher Education Diploma (3-5 years) with acceptable grades in any subject from a recognised institution. Applicants must have previously studied modules in either statistics, mathematics, finance, economics or calculus with good grades.
Tuition & Financial Information
Tuition Fee
GBP 14,995/year (international)
1. Critically understand the financial and economic environment in which organisations must operate and the basic conceptual underpinnings and fundamental principles of microeconomics.2. Understand management and cost accounting and how accounting information is used to assist short-term and long-term decision making.3. Appreciate markets and financial institutions and corporate governance as well as the risks and constraints in constructing portfolios to meet financial objectives.4. Use statistical concepts and methods of data analysis commonly applied in business and finance.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Financial Aid & Funding Opportunities
A range of funding options may be available to students enrolling at Queen's University Belfast. Explore all options early — many scholarships have deadlines months before programme start.
- University Scholarships: Queen's University Belfast may offer merit-based, need-based, or programme-specific scholarships for postgraduate students. Contact the international or financial aid office for current awards.
- Government Scholarships (): National governments often fund outbound and inbound student mobility. Check your home country's government scholarship schemes (e.g., national student loan bodies, ministry of education awards).
- International Scholarships: Major funders include: Commonwealth Scholarships, Fulbright (USA programmes), Chevening (UK), Erasmus+ (Europe), DAAD (Germany), Campus France, Australia Awards, and many more.
- Employer Sponsorship: Professionals returning to study may negotiate tuition sponsorship with their employer, particularly for MBA or executive programmes.
- Graduate Assistantships / Fellowships: Some universities offer funded research or teaching assistant positions that include a stipend and partial or full tuition waiver.
- External Foundations: Rotary Foundation, Aga Khan Foundation, Ford Foundation, and many discipline-specific bodies fund postgraduate study globally.
- Payment Plans: Flexible instalment plans may allow you to spread tuition payments across the academic year.
About Queen's University Belfast
Queen's University Belfast
Botswana, Botswana
Visit the university profile page to learn more about this institution.
University Profile- Start Date 2017-09-10
- Language English
- Duration 9 months
- Credits 60–120 ECTS (confirm with the university)